Any team coming off a 1-20 season is obviously looking for a fresh start.

The Brookfield Warriors had nowhere to look but up after their very long 1999-2000 campaign ended. Rookie coach Chris Fahndrich has the job of making the Warriors not only look up, but move up this year in the TAC-8.

Making things difficult will be facing the loss of three of last year's starters to graduations. No longer in the lineup are point guard Justin Townsend, guard Jake Nelson, and forward Jason Sanata.

But the Warriors should benefit from the return of seniors Dan Micaletti (6-1) and Steve Gerber, and juniors Gary Malgieri (5-11), Adam Daugherty (5-9) and Scott Stofan (5-10) at guard, who will possibly be joined in the backcourt by sophomore Julian Hayes (5-9). Up front is sophomore returnee Craig Wellman (6-1).

Brookfield's lone victory last year came over TAC-8 rival Labrae, 60-57.

Townsend led the Warriors in scoring with his 227 points, but Hayes, as a freshman, emerged as their second threat, amassing 112 points. His game high came on opening night when he banged home 13 against McDonald.

Micaletti also worked his way into the field for the Warriors, finishing fourth overall on the team with 87 points. But if Friday night's game was any indication, Malgieri could also make a dent in the scoring.

In the Warriors' opening-night 48-37 loss to the Hickory Hornets Malgieri, who also guided Brookfield on the football field at quarterback, knocked in 16 points to pace the Warriors in defeat. Nine of the points came from behind the arc, possibly opening the door for a solid outside attack. Hayes added seven points in the loss.

Fahndrich replaces Tim Taylor in running the show for the Warriors.

Fahndrich could not be reached for comment. -- By Herald sports writer Nate Summers